Pleasure is a feeling that is joyful and delightful, bringing with it a sense of satisfaction; we could include enjoyment and happiness as synonyms. There are really two kinds of pleasure, the first we tend to chase through things the Bible describes as “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”, 1 John 2:16, things that gratify our carnal fleshly nature; at best these only give momentary pleasure, and at worst leave a bitter “after taste” of disappointment, let down, remorse, or even death! But there is another kind of pleasure which seeks to satisfy the cravings of the inner spirit man which when found brings lasting satisfaction and delight. The Bible addresses both kinds of pleasure; in 1 Timothy 5:6 we read, “she who lives in pleasure and self gratification – giving herself up to luxury and self-indulgence – is dead even while she [still] lives” [Amplified Bible). While being in the midst of instructions concerning widows within the church, this is broad based and applicable across the board. On the other hand the Psalmist David in 16:11 says, “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” In John 10:10 Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” That word abundantly is in the sense of beyond; it is superabundant, superior, and even excessive; I would say that is pleasurable. God does not restrict His children by denying them pleasurable activities, rather He offers them “the real McCoy”, but the choice is ours, we can choose Jesus and abundant life, or we can choose our own way which leads to death. This is pictured vividly in Genesis 2:9, 15-17; 3:1-24 where Adam and Eve chose between two trees, choosing the one which appealed to the fleshly man and suffered the bitter consequences, while apparently rejecting and never partaking of the tree of life from which they could have had everlasting joy and pleasure. The choice is yours, God’s way or my way, Jesus or me, life or death.
Pleasure In His Presence
By Rose Hill
The Lord will bless the righteous with good will and pleasure,
He will shield them from harm for they are His treasure.
He instructs them and shows them the way they should go,
They have fullness of joy in His presence we know.
And they give Him much pleasure for His plan they fulfill,
He is so glad when they walk in His will.
When this life is over and their work is done,
It is His great pleasure to welcome them home.
Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.